By Ross Engel - You know the scene. It is the end of the date. Boy and girl, face to face, nervously rocking back and forth, inching closer, fumbling about, both wanting to, but neither one quite bold enough to make the final move for the first kiss. Someone needs to be courageous and pucker … Continue reading Go On and Kiss the Girl!
By Joel A Hess - Dear parents, your kids will be catechized whether you like it or not. For many churches, autumn marks the beginning of confirmation classes for young people. The season also witnesses many a pastor’s struggles to convince families to make instructing their children in the faith a top priority. Understandably, after … Continue reading Inevitable Catechesis
By Ross Engel - In the 1997 film, Starship Troopers, which pits humanity against bug-like aliens, there are several strong cultural and political messages buried both subtly and boldly into this classic film. One theme is that Federal service guarantees citizenship within the Federation. The idea behind this is two-fold. First, nations become unstable because … Continue reading Privilege and Responsibility
By Joel A. Hess - Perhaps more than any other story in scripture, the story of Mary and Martha has been the most scandalous. I am serious. Every time I read and preach on this episode of Jesus’ journey, I get frustrated feedback. Frequently the critics do not just direct their angst at me, but … Continue reading The Church of Martha
By Paul Koch - For those of you who do not know, I have two brothers, one older and one younger. Once a year we all get together with my dad for a little trip where we catch a Laker game and usually explore a city which is new to us. This year we went … Continue reading The Conviction of Things Not Seen
By Cindy Koch - It is a happy day when I taste a California Strawberry. For years, even while living in southeast Georgia, I could make a trip to buy some fresh produce and find the little plastic packages with sunny smiles on the sticker only to discover a little taste of home had followed … Continue reading Shopping for Fruits of the Spirit
By Paul Koch - “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” What does king Solomon mean when he utters these words? What does it mean to say that all things are vain? When we usually think of vanity, we think of one who admires themselves perhaps a little too much, one who can’t stop taking selfies … Continue reading Cheer Up It’s All Vanity
